Elaine Lucille

(Mules) Sykes

Elaine Lucille (Mules) Sykes, 90, widow of Malcolm Bernard Sykes, of Staunton, passed away on Sunday, November 8, 2026 at her residence.

Mrs. Sykes was born in Cortland, New York on February 10, 1936, a daughter of the late Franklin K. Mules and Lela L. (Mallery) Mules.

Elaine was a member of Mossy Creek Presbyterian Church and was formerly employed as a nurse at Kings Daughter Hospital. She enjoyed traveling, gardening, and spending time with her grandkids.

In addition to her parents and husband of 54 years, Mrs. Sykes was preceded in death by a daughter, Angela “Angie” Smithkin; two brothers, Robert R. Mules and Roger D. Mules; and a sister, Barbara J. Ahrens.

Surviving, are two sons, Jeffrey W. Sykes and his wife, Barbara Ann of Mt. Sidney and Gregory S. Sykes and his wife, Mealony of Raphine; a daughter, Theresa C. Harvey of Staunton; a son-in-law, John Smithkin of Verona; a brother, Douglas J. Mules and his wife, Pauline; a sister, Catherine L. Lee; 9 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild; and a number of nieces and nephews.

Per Mrs. Sykes request, there will be no formal services.

It is suggested that those desiring make memorial contributions to the Emily Couric Cancer Center, 1240 Lee Street, Charlottesville, Virginia 22903 or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105-1942.

Coffman Funeral Home and Crematory, 230 Frontier Drive, Staunton, is in charge of her arrangements.

Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.coffmanfuneralhome.net